Scotland powered completely by wind on Sunday

Wind energy completely met Scottish electricity needs on Sunday. The nation’s wind turbines provided 39.5GW of electricity to the National Grid, according to new data released by WWF Scotland. Total electricity […]

The nation’s wind turbines provided 39.5GW of electricity to the National Grid, according to new data released by WWF Scotland.

Total electricity consumption in the country was 37.2GW, therefore wind power generated the equivalent of 106% of Scotland’s entire electricity needs on the day.

That was the first time this year that this happened, the environmental group added.

WWF Scotland’s Director Lang Banks said: “While Sunday’s weather caused disruption for many people, it also proved to be a good day for wind power output, with wind turbines alone providing the equivalent of all Scotland’s total electricity needs. This major moment was made possible thanks in part to many years of political support, which means that across the year now renewables contribute well over half of our electricity needs.

“However, if we want this ensure we reap the many benefits of becoming a low carbon economy we need to see this political support for renewables continue. We also need the Scottish Government’s forthcoming energy strategy to set a goal of securing half of all of our energy, across electricity, heat and transport, from renewables by 2030.”